Ordinance Bans E-Cigarettes On CTA Property

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jun 11, 2014 9:10PM

People who use e-cigarettes have fewer places in Chicago to “vape” after the Chicago Transit Authority board approved an ordinance banning the devices on CTA property, including rail stations.

In a classic case of CYA, CTA moved forward with the ban even though they already believed e-cigarettes were not allowed under its no-smoking policy. (Cue the “but it’s water vapor” calls from vaping enthusiasts now.) The new measure will conform as much as possible with the e-cig ban that took effect in Chicago in April. Curiously, CTA president Forrest Claypool told the Sun-Times didn’t toe the “vaping devices can be harmful” line Mayor Rahm Emanuel and others have used. Claypool said, “The vapors would be disruptive to our customers.’’

Well, they are annoying but are they so much so they require a ban? CTA’s move is yet another step toward regulating vaping devices, following the city and a measure approved by the state last year. The FDA announced in April it also plans to regulate e-cigs for the first time by banning sales to minors and requiring health warnings on packaging.

Claypool told the Sun-Times the agency will make clear vaping devices are not allowed on CTA property, even though he believes no smoking signs make that abundantly clear. If you’re waiting for a bus at a bus stop, however, vape ‘em if you got ‘em. Bus stops and benches are considered on the public way.